Story Highlight
– UK defends Chagos Islands deal amid Trump criticism.
– Agreement retains control of Diego Garcia military base.
– Trump labels deal “great stupidity” and “total weakness.”
– UK insists US supports the sovereignty transfer agreement.
– Chagossians demand involvement in future decision-making discussions.
Full Story
The UK government has defended its recent agreement to transfer ownership of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while maintaining control over the strategic military base on Diego Garcia. The deal has drawn criticism from US President Donald Trump, who described it as an “act of great stupidity” on social media.
In his post, Trump expressed outrage at what he termed “total weakness,” despite having previously supported the move along with senior US officials. The UK government responded by asserting its commitment to national security, with a spokesperson emphasizing the continuing US backing for the arrangement.
The £3.4 billion agreement, signed in May, allows the UK to retain operational control of the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, the largest of the Chagos Islands. Trump remarked on his Truth Social platform that relinquishing Diego Garcia was unwarranted and suggested adversaries like China and Russia would perceive this as a significant diplomatic failure.
In response, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson reiterated the deal’s strength and reaffirmed that it is supported by the UK’s Five Eyes allies, which include Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. When asked about the certainty of the Chagos deal proceeding, the spokesperson confirmed that the UK government’s position remains unchanged as parliamentary processes are underway.
Additionally, a UK government representative mentioned that legal challenges had threatened the operational status of the Diego Garcia base, necessitating the agreement to secure its future. They noted that the deal has robust provisions to sustain military capabilities and deter adversaries, emphasizing the support it has received from allies including the US.
UK Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty indicated that discussions would take place with the Trump administration to reaffirm the merits of the deal. Mauritius’ Attorney General, Gavin Glover, underscored that the accord was solely between the UK and Mauritius, and highlighted that international law recognizes Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.
The sovereignty issue has been contentious since the UK separated the islands from Mauritius in 1965, during the latter’s status as a British colony. Mauritius contends that this separation was an unjust coercion linked to its independence negotiations. Under the current agreement, the UK will transfer sovereignty while leasing back Diego Garcia for a 99-year term at an annual cost of £101 million.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has previously stated the necessity of the deal for protecting the military base from undesirable influences. Although some critics, including members of the Conservative Party and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, have voiced their disapproval, expressing that the deal undermines national interests, allies of Trump had initially accepted the arrangement. Following its signing, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the agreement, stating it ensures stable operations at Diego Garcia, vital for regional security.
As the UK advances legislation to enact the agreement, political reactions have continued. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urged a reconsideration of the Chagos Islands policy, labeling the deal as detrimental. Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey claimed that Trump’s retorts signify the failure of Starmer’s diplomatic strategy.
Labour MP Emily Thornberry remarked on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, suggesting that although Trump’s rhetoric should be taken seriously, it should not be taken at face value. Reflecting on the situation, two British Chagossian women, Bernadette Dugasse and Bertrice Pompe, voiced their desire to return to Diego Garcia, feeling excluded from the negotiations. Pompe expressed a cautious optimism regarding Trump’s criticism, while Dugasse insisted that Chagossians should have a voice in shaping their future.
